If you ever happen to walk past any busy corporate neighbourhood in Dhaka during lunchtime, you are in for quite a sight!

Suited-up CEOs and managers, standing on the sidewalk, casually sipping tea with their executives. Why? Because nothing unites the ranks like the desperate need to escape the monotony of office canteen food.

From steaming plates of tehari to comforting khichuri, they're all on a mission to find something—anything—that doesn't taste like yesterday's reheated regret.

Whether it's the cosy tea stalls of Motijheel, the biryani houses in Karwan Bazar, or the budget-friendly spots in Mohakhali, these proxy canteens serve as unofficial extensions of Dhaka's workplaces.

"For me, it's not just about food; it's about escaping the office walls. Our entire team comes here almost every day to catch up over a quick meal," says Ahsan Kabir, a mid-level executive working in a financial firm in Banani, while pointing at Star Kabab.

"Our office canteen food is like a broken record of blandness," quips Tanisha Rahman, an HR professional in Tejgaon, adding, "But on this corner of the road, we get to try something new almost every day, and the prices don't burn a hole in our pockets!"

While many offices have in-house canteens, a significant number of employees prefer the bustling roadside eateries, small cafes, and budget-friendly restaurants nearby, which we are referring to as "proxy eateries". For many, these humble eateries are the Goldilocks zone between outrageously pricey fine dining and the endlessly repetitive office meals.

However, lunchtime at these eateries isn't just about eating; it's a daily ritual where colleagues catch up, teams brainstorm, and unexpected connections are made over plates of khichuri and chicken curry.

Conversations flow as easily as the steaming cups of tea, turning casual chats into fresh ideas, workplace friendships, and even future business ventures.

"I actually met my business partner at one of these spots in Banani," says Shamsul Alam, the founder of a start-up.

"Back then, we worked at different companies, but after enough lunch breaks spent sharing ideas, we decided to start something together," he shared.

Many of these small restaurants operate in tight spaces, with kitchens that might not meet ideal sanitation standards. Still, regular customers seem to turn a blind eye as long as the food remains delicious, affordable and healthy enough to not call in sick the next day.

"There have been times when we complained about hygiene, but honestly, the food here is too good to resist. We just make sure to pick places that at least maintain basic cleanliness," says Mehedi Hasan, an IT professional.

Meanwhile, these eateries are not just places to eat; they are hubs of corporate gossip. Employees vent their frustrations about difficult bosses, talk about office politics, and share industry rumours over their meals. The restaurant workers, who hear these conversations daily, are often well-informed about the inner workings of the surrounding offices.

"You'd be surprised how much we know about the managers and executives of these offices," laughs Kamal, a waiter at a popular coffee shop in Gulshan.

"People come here, order their food, and then start complaining about their bosses. The CEOs eat here standing! If we ever wrote a book, it would be a bestseller!"

These eateries do more than serve food. They serve a space where ideas are born, friendships are strengthened, and corporate life finds a moment of solace amidst deadlines and emails.